North Mount Wilcox Shelter

North Mount Wilcox Shelter is a rustic and serene backcountry campground located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains in Monterey, Massachusetts. As a part of the expansive Beartown State Forest, this site serves as a vital overnight stop for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail and local Massachusetts residents looking for a true wilderness experience. Surrounded by 12,000 acres of lush deciduous and evergreen forests, the shelter offers a primitive escape from the modernization of everyday life. The area is known for its high elevation and vibrant ecosystems, where northern hardwoods like maple and ash mingle with sturdy spruces and pines, creating a canopy that is as beautiful in the spring as it is during the legendary Berkshire fall foliage season.

For those located in Massachusetts, the North Mount Wilcox Shelter represents the quintessential New England backpacking experience. It is not a traditional drive-in campground but rather a destination reached by foot, fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts who value silence, starry skies, and the sounds of the forest. The site is managed to maintain its rugged character while providing the basic infrastructure necessary for a safe night in the woods. Whether you are a solo hiker seeking solitude or a small group of friends exploring the Beartown Mountain range, the North Mount Wilcox Shelter provides a storied place to rest, recharge, and connect with the natural heritage of Western Massachusetts.

The North Mount Wilcox Shelter is located within the town of Monterey in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Accessing the site requires a hike, as it is situated approximately 0.3 miles off the main white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) on a blue-blazed side trail. For local visitors, the most common point of entry is the Beartown Mountain Road trailhead or the Route 23 trailhead in Monterey. From Route 23, the trek involves a steady climb through "The Ledges," offering spectacular views of the southern Berkshires before reaching the shelter area. This makes the location highly attractive for those who enjoy a moderate physical challenge followed by a rewarding, secluded campsite.

While the shelter is tucked away in the backcountry, its proximity to the town of Monterey ensures that help and supplies are never too far away in an emergency. However, visitors should be prepared for typical mountain terrain, which includes rocky paths and variable weather conditions. Accessibility within the site is designed for foot traffic; there are no paved roads or vehicle access points directly at the shelter. This preservation of the wilderness character is what draws many Massachusetts residents to the site, offering a level of tranquility that is difficult to find in more developed state park campgrounds. The site is positioned roughly 1.7 miles north of the Mount Wilcox South Shelter, providing a convenient interval for those section-hiking the AT through Monterey.

• Overnight accommodations in a traditional three-sided log lean-to, constructed in the early 1960s with a capacity for approximately 8 individuals.
• Designated tent sites located in the vicinity of the shelter for those who prefer the privacy of their own equipment.
• Bear-aware food storage services, including a provided metal bear box to protect your supplies and local wildlife.
• A backcountry privy (outhouse) located a short walk from the main shelter area for sanitary waste management.
• Access to a natural water source, typically a nearby brook to the left of the shelter, which requires filtration or boiling before consumption.
• A central fire ring for communal evening gatherings, provided there are no seasonal burn bans in effect.
• Dog-friendly camping policies, allowing Massachusetts residents to bring their leashed canine companions along for the adventure.
• A flat area with a picnic table, serving as a social hub for cooking, journal writing, and meeting fellow travelers.

• Historical Log Shelter: An older, authentic Adirondack-style lean-to that provides excellent protection from rain and wind without the need for a tent.
• High Elevation Views: Situated near the 2,100-foot mark, the area around Mount Wilcox provides refreshing mountain air and occasional glimpses through the trees of the valley below.
• Proximity to Benedict Pond: A short hike away from one of the Berkshires' most beautiful "Great Ponds," perfect for swimming or cooling off after a long day on the trail.
• Diverse Wildlife: A prime location for nature watching, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, beavers, and the park’s namesake black bears.
• Section-Hiker Friendly: Perfectly spaced for those trekking the 20.7-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between Mass Route 23 and Upper Goose Pond.
• Backcountry Solitude: Located far enough from the main state forest roads to ensure a quiet experience away from the noise of OHVs and crowds.
• Managed Ecosystem: The surrounding Beartown State Forest is a haven for botany enthusiasts, featuring vibrant ferns, mountain laurels, and rare wildflowers.

As a backcountry site within the Beartown State Forest, North Mount Wilcox Shelter does not have a dedicated front desk or on-site phone. However, the site is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Berkshire Chapter. For general inquiries about the forest, trail conditions, or camping regulations in Monterey, you can contact the Beartown State Forest headquarters at (413) 528-0926. The general mailing address for the region is Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245, USA. For emergencies or to report trail issues, hikers often contact the AMC or the local ranger station located a few miles southeast of the main hiking parking lots.

• No-fee camping: Unlike many developed sites, staying at the North Mount Wilcox Shelter typically does not require a fee, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for rugged explorers.
• Authentic Wilderness: It is worth choosing for the "Leave No Trace" experience, where you can truly immerse yourself in the Berkshire woods without the distractions of electricity or cell service.
• The "Ledges" Hike: Choosing this shelter as your destination allows you to experience one of the most scenic sections of the AT in Massachusetts, featuring dramatic rock formations and panoramic overlooks.
• Community Spirit: The shelter is a great place to meet interesting people from all over the world who are traversing the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail.
• Flexibility: With both a dry shelter and ground space for four tents, the site accommodates different camping styles and weather conditions.

Ultimately, North Mount Wilcox Shelter is worth choosing because it represents the heart of Monterey’s outdoor culture. It is a place where Massachusetts residents can challenge themselves physically while finding mental clarity in the deep woods. The combination of the historic log structure, the essential safety of a bear box, and the stunning natural beauty of Beartown State Forest makes this one of the premier backcountry spots in the state. If you are looking for a weekend that involves more than just a campfire—one that involves a journey—this Monterey treasure is waiting to be discovered.